"Yes, I'm also a big fan of Mr. Lockhart's books. I absolutely loved Voyages with Vampires. I'm so envious that he had such experiences."
"What, making stickers of Mr. Lockhart? Of course, I've definitely considered it. In fact, I was planning to make a series of Outstanding Wizards stickers, but I've been undecided."
"I'm hesitating whether the first representative wizard image should be Headmaster Dumbledore or Mr. Lockhart."
In just one day, a conversation in Ollivander's Wand Shop quickly spread throughout Diagon Alley and eventually reached the ears of Gilderoy Lockhart at Flourish and Blotts.
During a break in his book signing, he casually approached the owner of Flourish and Blotts. "Robert Ollivander—he's a child with good taste. But his name… is he the Ollivander I'm thinking of?"
"That's right, Ollivander the wand maker," replied the shop owner, a middle-aged witch in her forties. When she heard Lockhart mention Robert, she smiled. "That child has lived in Diagon Alley since he was very young. Garrick Ollivander is his grandfather, but I didn't expect him to be a fan of yours as well."
"I'm quite surprised too—but then again, not really." Gilderoy Lockhart flashed his dazzling smile. "Another young wizard inspired by my adventurous tales—it's a delightful predicament, isn't it?"
He flicked his golden hair back. Before the witch could swoon at his smile, he asked with curiosity, "But this wand sticker he mentioned… what exactly is that?"
"This," the witch explained, drawing her wand and pointing to the end of its handle. A small, animated Sphinx could be seen lazily rubbing itself against the wand's shaft.
"It's a decorative charm, really. Compared to the old plain wands, this is a delightful change. It's like having a pet you can carry with you—it even improves your mood."
"But you have to change it every so often, or the sticker stops moving."
Lockhart gazed at the sticker, deep in thought.
After a moment, he asked, "Do many people buy these?"
"Oh, quite a few," she replied. "It only costs two sickles, after all. Most people can afford it. Ollivander's shop has had queues stretching out the door for days now."
"So everyone can see these stickers all the time?" Lockhart's eyes lit up like twin bulbs—he clearly had an idea.
"Yes, I suppose so." The witch nodded, then glanced toward the main floor. "Mr. Lockhart, your break is nearly over…"
"Ah yes, duty calls." Lockhart stood with theatrical flair, flashed his trademark gleaming smile, and strode out into the bookstore.
The original bookshelves had been removed and replaced with enormous photos of Gilderoy Lockhart. In the center stood a circular platform, where Lockhart sat signing books for every eager fan.
Flourish and Blotts had a long line of witches and wizards, and just outside Ollivander's shop, another crowd waited for wand stickers. Anticipation was in the air—everyone was looking toward the future.
By half past three in the afternoon, the signing had ended.
"It's alright—everyone will have another chance."
Lockhart turned to the disappointed fans who had arrived late and offered them his most charming smile. "Ladies and gentlemen, good news! Tomorrow I'll be signing and selling my autobiography, Magical Me, and the session will be extended until half past four. Don't miss this chance to receive a signed copy directly from Gilderoy Lockhart!"
The crowd erupted in cheers.
Lockhart slipped back into the break room and stood in front of a mirror, twirling a strand of golden hair around his finger.
"They're so enthusiastic—perhaps I should host signings more often."
A weary wizard entered the room just in time to hear that and groaned internally. After helping maintain order outside for three exhausting hours—shouting "No pushing!" to mobs of overexcited witches—the thought of more signings made his heart sink. This job was torturous.
But Lockhart remained oblivious to the wizard's misery. Spotting him, Lockhart beamed and pulled a golden-embossed envelope from his pocket.
"Excuse me—could you deliver this to the wand shop's… Robert Ollivander, I believe that's his name?"
Without waiting for a response, Lockhart exited through the back door, leaving the other wizard muttering under his breath. Despite his reluctance, Robert was now considered a VIP guest, so the wizard had no choice but to queue outside the wand shop.
Six o'clock in the evening – The Leaky Cauldron
"I'm really sorry, Mr. Lockhart," Robert said as he rushed in, panting slightly. "There were just too many people lining up for stickers. I couldn't get away and missed our meeting."
"It's quite alright. I completely understand that kind of 'happy problem.'" Lockhart's face remained as warm and cheerful as ever, as if he hadn't been waiting for three hours but merely three minutes.
"I spend five hours a day replying to letters from admirers. They arrive like snowflakes!"
"That's because Mr. Lockhart is truly excellent," Robert said. "Speaking of which, I need to buy another set of your books."
"Another set?" Lockhart caught the odd phrasing immediately.
"Yes, Hogwarts has listed your books as required reading," Robert explained. "I already own a signed set, but I'd never dare bring those into the chaos of school life."
Lockhart's grin grew even wider. He nearly lost control of his perfect eight-tooth smile.
"There's no need to buy them. I'll give you a full set—including Magical Me, which will be available for sale tomorrow—and of course, all signed."
"Wow, really?"
"Absolutely," Lockhart confirmed. "Just a small gift from a future professor to an outstanding student."
Robert beamed.
Flattering Lockhart, he had learned, was easier than charming a group of young witches—and far more rewarding. A few kind words had just saved him thirty-five galleons.
As for whether Robert already had a signed set of Lockhart's works? Of course not. He would never waste money on such a thing. But Lockhart didn't know that. After all, not everyone could remember every customer the way Garrick Ollivander did.
However, what Lockhart had just said was quite intriguing.
"You said… Professor?" Robert asked, his eyes filled with curiosity. It was the question Lockhart had been hoping someone would ask.
"It's those Butterbeers—I was hoping to keep it a secret," Lockhart said, feigning exasperation. "But yes, come September, I'll be taking the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts."
"Really? That's wonderful," Robert said sincerely.
He was genuinely pleased.
Gilderoy Lockhart wasn't just worth thirty-five galleons. As a professor, he was worth even more. Robert would gladly welcome him into Hogwarts.
"You must keep it a secret," Lockhart added, leaning in conspiratorially. "I want to surprise everyone at the right time."
"I understand," Robert said with a grin.
There were no Daily Prophet reporters present, and no cameras in sight—so it definitely wasn't the right time for a big announcement.
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